The Angels announced they are designating outfielder Justin Upton for assignment on Saturday. ESPN’s Jeff Passan reports Los Angeles will pay all $28 million that Upton is owed this season since they aren’t expected to find a trade.
Los Angeles first acquired Upton in a waiver trade in August of 2017. At the time, Upton was in the second year of a six-year, $132.75 million deal, but the outfielder exercised an opt-out to become a free agent after the 2017 season.
From there, the Angels re-signed Upton on a five-year, $106 million contract, bringing Upton’s total earnings to $150.